What to Look for in Your Next Org Chart Software

March 7, 2019

When it comes to your company org chart, it’s not about just having a document that reflects headcount and reporting relationships, but it’s also about having the right tool that accurately reflects the organization as it changes and grows. In a recent study by Deloitte, company leaders named organizational design as the most important factor affecting their business. Choosing the right org chart software can bring your organizational structure to life and deliver a range of benefits not usually associated with the org chart. Here are six things to look for in your next org chart software:

1. Ease of Use and Customization

Creating and updating the company org chart doesn’t have to be a painful process of trying to get boxes to line up or having to constrain design to a simple hierarchy. The ideal org chart software allows you to easily illustrate organizational structure using different layouts, colors, and types. If the organization has dotted-line relationships and shared roles, the org chart should also be flexible enough to display those kinds of reporting relationships. Your org chart software should also do more than list employees’ names, titles, or locations. With customizable profiles, employees can learn more about one another, including key skills, qualifications, favorite colors, or any other custom field you choose to add.

2. The Ability to Collaborate

Org chart software can play a critical role in driving collaboration among individuals and teams. For example, it’s possible to link your live org chart to the Slack collaboration platform. Slack usernames and calendar updates can be viewed from employees’ org chart profiles, making it easier for employees to find one another and communicate on key projects. Org chart software also allows you to create collaborative versions of the company org chart, which can be shared among key leaders and shared with the organization once finalized.

3. Integration

A live org chart is always up to date when it integrates with other enterprise platforms such as the company intranet, HRIS, payroll, and messaging platforms like Google. Instead of working with a word processor or a desktop program, it makes sense to look for org chart software that syncs seamlessly with your existing talent management systems. That way, as employees are hired, leave, or change teams, any changes to the structure will automatically be reflected on the org chart. With a range of integrations to choose from, your company org chart can be an accurate representation of how the company actually looks.

4. Mobility

One of the best things about modern technology is the ability to take it with you so that you have the information at your fingertips when you need it. Your org chart should also have native mobile apps for iOS or Android, giving employees access to the org chart on any device at any time. Whether employees are traveling for business or working remotely, org chart software can help them stay connected and informed about changes happening around the company.

5. Support/Knowledge Base

Having the necessary support and resources allows users to take advantage of any platform’s full functionality. A searchable knowledge base, as well as email and phone support, is essential for making the most of your org chart software. In addition to day-to-day support, you should also look for software that makes implementation smooth and easy. A customer onboarding team can help ensure a seamless onboarding and employee rollout.

6. Gamification

Org chart software is even more useful when it offers employees fun ways to get to know one another. A live org chart with gamified features can help individuals match names to faces, learn more about the people on their team, and develop deeper connections.

Selecting your next org chart software involves identifying a solution that not only helps you meet your talent management objectives but also fits in nicely with the platforms you already use. Org charts aren’t just for headcount reporting or showing who reports to whom. A live org chart keeps employees informed about talent changes happening in the organization, and it also helps people communicate and collaborate.

by Cameron NouriI am the Director of Growth at Pingboard. I consider myself an entrepreneur at heart. I love trying new things and taking educated risks on new ventures, both professionally and in my personal life. I bring that passion to work everyday where I enjoy helping others discover the power that Pingboard can unlock.